Smallscale archerfish - Toxotes microlepis

Scientific name: Toxotes microlepis

Common name: Smallscale archerfish

Family: Toxotidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 13 - 15 cm (5.12 - 5.91 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 6 - 21°N (107.14 - 375ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 28 °C (73.4 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

After Smallscale archerfish have settled in the tank, they will accept live or frozen foods, blood worms and brine shrimp are ideal. They do require vegetable matter in their diet so add a few plants to the tank that they can nibble on or add seaweed strips for them to feed off.

Origin

Asia, Smallscale archerfish are to be found in India, Sri Lanka and are even to be found in new Guinea.

Sexing

There are no visible differences between the sexes.

Breeding

As of yet there are no reported cases of these breeding in the aquarium.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Toxotes microlepis is 10 years.

Short description

Toxotes microlepis are best kept in small groups but a large tank is required for this. Many keepers will keep a single specimen in a smaller tank but this makes them nervous and they will hide a lot. The can be trained to produce their spitting action by gradually raising their food supply above the water line. These are often sold as freshwater fish but for long term health it is better to keep them in brackish water.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.